Returning to Learning Project

Nearly 25,000 out-of-school and learning-lagged children who had dropped out during the COVID-19 pandemic have returned to mainstream primary education through BRAC's 'Returning to Learning' (RTL) project, which provided accelerated learning in 1,005 one-room schools. According to the project's final assessment, 99.1 per cent of students who completed the accelerated course were re-enrolled in nearby government and non-government primary schools and madrasas.

Implemented between January 2022 and December 2024 with support from the Hempel Foundation, the 'Returning to Learning' project focused on reintegrating out-of-school children from marginalised communities in Kurigram, Rangpur, and Lalmonirhat districts. The project's final evaluation findings were shared at a concluding session on 12 May 2025 at the BRAC Centre, bringing together key stakeholders to reflect on achievements and discuss the way forward.

Masud Akter Khan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MoPME), attended the event as the chief guest. Mirajul Islam Ukil, Director (Planning and Development), Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) was present as the special guest. The opening remarks were delivered by Safi Rahman Khan, Director of BRAC's Education, Skills Development and Migration Programme. Zia Uddin Ahmed, Assistant Director, Bureau of Non-Formal Education (BNFE), MoPME; Mohammad Zia ul Haque Sikder, Education Officer (Planning and Development), Directorate of Primary Education (DPE); and Rosie Williams, Foundations Officer at BRAC Europe, were also present at the event.

According to the assessment, in Kurigram district, the primary school dropout rate fell from 23.6 per cent in 2020 to 14.16 per cent in 2023, coming close to the national average of 13.15 per cent. The evaluation also revealed significant improvements in students' performance in Bangla, English, and Mathematics following the accelerated course. Notably, the proportion of students scoring below 33 in English dropped from 37 per cent to just 5 per cent after completing the course.

Chief guest Masud Akter Khan noted that while efforts to advance girls' education have rightly been prioritised over the years, it is now equally important to focus on boys' education. He emphasised that the most pressing challenge going forward is to ensure the quality of education for all.

Special Guest Mirajul Islam Ukil remarked that the government is currently working to roll out three key initiatives: universal school feeding, the reintroduction of primary-level scholarships, and the conversion of double-shift schools into single-shift operations. If implemented effectively, these efforts are expected to play a significant role in reducing dropout rates.

During the session, participants emphasised that sustaining this progress requires more than project-based interventions. They underscored the need for a long-term, inclusive, and sustainable education system that actively involves local government, parents, teachers, and communities. Only through coordinated and collective efforts can a resilient and inclusive education system be built for the future.